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Things to consider before you get bees

A beehive (or two) is an excellent addition to a homestead, even in an urban area, as they don’t take up much space. Bees not only provide honey, but also pollination services and beeswax. Since we’ve had a couple of beehives near our vegetable garden I’ve had the best crop of pumpkins and capsicums since I started growing vegetables, which I am sure is due to flowers being pollinated more effectively. I also use the beeswax to make salves and we sell the excess honey.

Bees have worked out really well so far, however, getting bees is a big decision and there’s a few things that you should consider first. I've written a guest post over at Imperfectly Happy, so you can pop over there to read about what I think you should consider before getting bees.

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Liz, How timely. Just yesterday I was down at our local apiarist supplies place getting info on equipment/boxes etc. It is our plan to get some bees in spring for the same reasons as you. Shall read your info carefully, thank you.

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Thanks, I appreciate all your comments, suggestions and questions, but I don't always get time to reply right away. If you need me to reply personally to a question, please leave your email address in the comment or in your profile, or email me directly on eight.acres.liz at gmail.com

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Farmer Liz

Liz lives on eight acres in south east Queensland, Australia, with her husband Peter and dogs Taz and Gus. They have a passion for small-scale organic farming and producing and eating real food. They keep chickens, beef steers, two jersey cows and a big vegetable garden. Liz writes a blog about their farm to both inspire and help others who are interested in self-sufficiency, sustainability and permaculture.

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